Xconomy

How to Change the World

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading

Geoffrey A. MooreA highly relevant read for high tech entrepreneurs. Great discussion of the 'chasm' between the early adopters of products and the early majority and how to market technology products effectively.

Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History

Penny Le Couteur & Jay BurresonA series of interesting case studies on the transformational impact of these technologies.

Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-by-Numbers Is the New Way to Be Smart

Ian AyersA compelling account of how quantities methods for analysis and decision-making are changing business, technology, education, and government.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-tested Strategy for Successful Investing

Burton Gordon MalkielThis finance classic from the 1970s is a relevant guide to investing even today.

The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey

Spencer WellsA very crisp, concise book in which the author maps out human evolution from the first 'mother' of all humans who lived some 200,000 years ago in Africa to the current genetic diversity seen across the globe today. Useful context for understanding the promise and issues with so-called 'personalized medicine'.

Lights Out: The Electricity Crisis, the Global Economy, and What It Means To You

Jason MakansiThoughtful discussion about the structure of the modern electricity industry and presentation of much-needed drivers of transformation in that industry.

Apollo 13: Lost Moon

Jim LovellWell-written story about the Apollo 13 attempted moon landing. Lessons to be learned: adapt, adapt and adapt again.

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

Alfred LansingHopefully the bumps in the road are smaller than those that Shackleton faced, but perseverance in the face of adversity is a critical trait for any entrepreneur.

The Last Lecture

Randy PauschA short read that gives a philosophy of hard work and yielding to your imagination and dreams. Pausch was dying of pancreatic cancer and left this for his kids, and it is very worthwhile reading for entrepreneurs.

Getting it Right the First Time: How Innovative Companies Anticipate Demand

John Katsaros & Peter ChristyAn insightful discussion about the importance of anticipating markets and the value of research and strategy for marketers, product managers, and business leaders.

The Killer Angels

Michael ShaaraDuring the Civil War, General Chamberlain demonstrates many of the qualities we look for in an entrepreneur: judgment, leadership, steadfast, and humble.

Organizations

Foley Hoag Emerging Enterprise Center

emergingenterprisecenter.comThe EEC serves a wide range of needs of Greater Boston's entrepreneur and venture communities by providing of a full complement of legal services and access to business management expertise and professional networks. The EEC provides a forum where entrepreneurs and industry thought leaders convene to exchange ideas and accelerate the progress of emerging enterprises.

National Venture Capital Association

nvca.orgThe comprehensive NVCA site features event listings, special interest groups and other resources for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.

Mass Technology Leadership Council

masstlc.orgFormed by the combination of Mass Software Council and New England Business and Technology Association, the organization is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the success of companies that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors. The site features an events calendar complete with seminars, educational programs and networking forums.

PricewaterhouseCoopers MoneyTree Report

pwcmoneytree.comThe MoneyTree Report provides information on emerging companies that receive financing and the venture capital firms that provide it. The report is used by the financial community, entrepreneurs, policy makers and the media. The site contains detailed results for recent quarterly results as well as aggregate trend data.

Web Innovator's Group

webinnovatorsgroup.com/The Web Innovators Group is comprised of people engaged in internet and mobile innovation in the Boston area. Their meetings provide a forum for entrepreneurs from self-funded/early-stage startups to network and exchange ideas.

Renewable Energy Business Network

rebn.orgREBN enables researchers and business professionals with an interest in renewable energy to connect with one another, to promote the growth of the renewable energy industry. REBN provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, education and business creation.

MoMo Boston

momoboston.comMobile Monday Boston is a community of professionals interested in mobile technologies. Their mission is to promote, discuss and share knowledge on mobile technologies with the community through monthly presentations and networking events.